NEWS

The Royal Court Theatre’s Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone will open this year’s TheatreCraft event by giving a welcome speech at 9am on Friday 17th October 2014, at the Royal Opera House.

TheatreCraft, which is now in its 9th year, is the essential free event for anyone aged 16 to 25 looking for a non-performance career in theatre. From directing to stage management, producing to marketing, lighting to design, TheatreCraft is the only place to be for a fun and unique glimpse into the ‘behind the scenes’ world of theatre.

More than 1000 people attended TheatreCraft 2013 and met more than 50 exhibitors in the bustling marketplace, took part in over 70 workshops delivered by skilled theatre professionals and visited the ‘Ask the Experts’ zone which offered one-to-one advice sessions with 33 industry experts.

Commenting on this year’s event Vicky Featherstone said;

“When I first dreamt about working in theatre all I really knew about were the actors. The wealth of talent, passion and commitment that goes into creating a whole piece of theatre is extraordinary. There is opportunity for such a diverse and wide ranging group of people coming together to make it happen. TheatreCraft is an incredibly important resource to equip our next generation with the skills, opportunities and inspiration to forge a career in theatre. Most importantly it is completely free, enabling the sector to encourage young people from all walks of life, with all sorts of experience to join our industry. It is vital to our future, our relevance and to achieve our potential that TheatreCraft exists. I am honoured to be part of that quest and that possibility.”

Caro Newling, President of the Society of London Theatre, added;
“The UK theatre industry maintains its position as a world leader due to the enormous wealth of talent we have behind-the-scenes. It is crucial that we continue to develop and nurture the skills and careers of theatre technicians across the spectrum. Since it began in 2003, TheatreCraft has grown to become an indispensable source of support, inspiration and guidance to thousands of young people interested in working in theatre. This unique, open-door event provides free access to invaluable information, insight and networking opportunities that will equip the next generation of theatre makers.”

Attendees on the day can take part in workshops led by theatre professionals, explore the vibrant marketplace, join in at the Ask the Experts zone for one to one advice and interact with peers in the networking hubs.

“If you’re a young theatre maker I couldn’t recommend TheatreCraft enough! Since my visit last year I found out and about and have completed the NYT EPIC Stages course, I have attended free workshops at The Almeida Theatre and I have completed the Ambassador West End directing programme which was fantastic! I have gained enough courage to make my own work, with my own company at two fringe festivals this year. It’s a really friendly supportive day which allows you to approach all the exhibitors with your questions and ask for advice, which when you’re starting is really important to be able to do.”

TheatreCraft was established by Masterclass in 2003 as a way of highlighting training and career opportunities for young people interested in working behind the scenes in the theatre and performance industries. It is currently organised by a group of committed partners from across the creative and cultural industries who run the event: Creative & Cultural Skills, Theatre Royal Haymarket Masterclass Trust, Mousetrap Theatre Projects, Royal Opera House and Society of London Theatre.

TheatreCraft is sponsored by White Light and John Good. Media partners are The Stage and Official London Theatre.